Division Director for Certification

The Division Director for Certification provides strategic and operational leadership for state educator certification, certification training initiatives, military support programs, and the Professional Development Registry in collaboration with the Department of Early Care and Learning. The Director ensures all programs, policies, and procedures are implemented in alignment with agency goals and support high-quality preparation, development, and credentialing of educators statewide. The incumbent serves as a senior leader responsible for strategic planning, program oversight, policy development, fiscal management, and personnel administration within the Certification Division.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement strategic goals for the Certification Division aligned with the agency’s mission and strategic plan.
• Establish policies, procedures, and performance standards that ensure efficient and compliant certification and professional development services.

Program & Operations Oversight

• Lead programs related to certification, certification training, military educator pathways and recruitment, and the Professional Development Registry.
• Monitor and evaluate program performance; identify gaps and implement improvements to strengthen service delivery.
• Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and effectiveness in all certification-related functions.
• Oversee key divisional projects and initiatives critical to agency operations.

Stakeholder & Interagency Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison to agency executives, partner agencies, school districts, higher education institutions, and other external stakeholders.
• Communicate complex regulatory and policy matters and resolve customer concerns.
• Represent the division at meetings, conferences, workgroups, and partner engagements.

Fiscal Management

• Develop, manage, and monitor the division’s operating budget in accordance with agency guidelines.
• Coordinate budget planning with the Director of Management & Business Operations to support strategic and operational priorities.
• Ensure responsible utilization of financial resources.

Human Resources & Personnel Management

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff to promote a high-performing and collaborative work environment.
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, performance management, discipline, and terminations.
• Recommend personnel actions and ensure compliance with agency HR policies and procedures.
• Provide guidance to managers in effective supervision, workforce planning, and employee development.

Rules, Processes & Procedures

• Lead the review, interpretation, and implementation of rules related to educator certification and preparation.
• Guide the development and revision of new or amended rules.
• Oversee creation and distribution of internal and external guidelines, processes, and procedures.

Coordination & Communication

• Collaborate with the Executive Secretary to plan and support commission meetings.
• Coordinate with internal divisions to ensure alignment and integration of agency functions.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for stakeholders seeking certification guidance or clarification.

Strategic Planning

• Conduct short- and long-term planning to advance division initiatives and support agency goals.
• Analyze needs, forecast trends, and develop proactive strategies to enhance educator certification systems.

Appeals & Governance

• Oversee and participate in the educator certification appeals process.
• Serve on the Tier 1 Appeals Committee, ensuring consistency, fairness, and compliance with established criteria.

Additional Responsibilities

• Travel to attend meetings, conferences, and other events as required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Preferred Training & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Five or more years of experience managing certification operations.
• At least five years of leadership experience within the GaPSC, a K–12 school system, a university department or school of education, an education-related entity, or a state agency, including:
  • Management of a function, division, or department
  • Policy development and implementation

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Doctoral degree (PhD or EdD) from an accredited college or university.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage teams and cultivate a positive work environment.
• Skill in strategic staff deployment and delegation.
• Ability to use performance-tracking mechanisms to monitor progress toward division and agency goals.

Planning & Evaluation

• Ability to integrate current and future goals into operational and strategic planning.
• Skill in evaluating program outcomes and adjusting strategies to meet objectives.
• Ability to anticipate future conditions and develop contingency plans.

Reasoning & Analytical Skills

• Ability to understand and analyze complex systems.
• Skill in applying rules and frameworks to identify patterns and trends.
• Ability to analyze multifaceted problems using structured methods.

Decisiveness

• Ability to make timely and informed decisions.
• Skill in evaluating multiple influences during decision-making.
• Demonstrated commitment to follow-through and action.
• Ability to make sound decisions with limited information.

Communication

• Ability to produce clear, well-written documents tailored to audience and purpose.
• Strong verbal communication skills, including clarity, tone, and professional presentation.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex laws, rules, and policies.

Resource Management

• Ability to allocate staff and resources efficiently.
• Skill in forecasting resource needs and developing monitoring procedures.
• Experience in budget oversight and resource evaluation.

Technology Utilization

• Ability to integrate technology into business operations to improve efficiency.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint/Canva, and Google Workspace tools.